He's baaaaack.
Oklahoma star defensive end R Mason Thomas was not on the initial availability that was released Tuesday evening, meaning Thomas is expected to return when the No. 8 Sooners host No. 9 Alabama for a rematch in the first round of the College Football Playoff at 7 p.m. CT Friday in Norman. An OU win is likely the biggest gift fans want for Christmas, but a healthy Thomas to help make that happen was certainly also on the wish list.
Sooners College Football Playoff injury update
It was evident nearly three weeks without a game benefitted the Sooners as they had one of the shortest injury reports of the season. Even Alabama's list of unavailable players dwarfed OU's.
Tuesday’s availability report for Oklahoma-Alabama in the CFP: pic.twitter.com/zoU26REynE
— Stormin In Norman (@StorminInNorman) December 17, 2025
Most of the anticipation built for the initial report revolved around Thomas and starting center Jake Maikkula.
The Sooners already proved they can beat Bama without Thomas, but he's definitely a difference-maker for the biggest game of the year so far. He injured his quad while returning a fumble for a touchdown against Tennessee and has been sidelined the last three games since, including the upset of Bama on Nov. 15 in Tuscaloosa. Even after missing the last three games of the season, Thomas still leads the Sooners with 6.5 sacks.
Maikkula was out for the regular-season finale against LSU after spending time in the hospital that week because of an infection he's still recovering from. After missing the season opener, Maikkula, a transfer from Stanford, started every game at center before LSU.
With Maikkula out and the Sooners already thin at the position, starting right guard Febechi Nwaiwu slid over and made his first career start at center against LSU. Nwaiwu was stellar in the new role, but Maikkula's return is still vital to have the entire starting offensive line back and comfortable in their usual spots. Listed as questionable, Maikkula has a 50/50 chance at playing on Friday after participating at practice already this week.
OU starting center Jake Maikkula was doing individual drills on air during practice today. He did not play against LSU due to an infection and is still recovering. #Sooners pic.twitter.com/wXP0q0Zms5
— George Stoia III (@GeorgeStoia) December 15, 2025
Running back Jovantae Barnes was also seen practicing this week and was listed as probable on Tuesday. The extra time also gave fellow running backs Xavier Robinson and Tory Blaylock a chance to recover after limping to the finish line of the regular season.
Defensively, the Sooners will, to no surprise, be without defensive backs Gentry Williams, Kendel Dolby and Jeremiah Newcombe.